Wednesday 14 November 2012

Private William Thomas Verral, DCM

Born on 9 April 1883 in Toronto, Ontario – son of Mrs. Annie Verral, Toronto, Ontario – at the time of his enlistment in 1916: present address same as mother; trade as traveller; single; no current military service; previously served with The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada (eight years), the 4th Battalion (fourteen months), and the 12th Reserve Battalion (two months); Church of England; height of 5 feet 11 inches; chest of 37.5 inches fully expanded; fair complexion; gray eyes; brown hair.

Joined the 126th Battalion, CEF, in Toronto, Ontario, on 5 January 1916 (number 775204) – taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 4 or 6 December 1916 – struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion on 16 June 1919.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal – official citation: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Valenciennes, from 1st to 5th November, 1918. On two separate occasions, when his company was held up, he carried out the capture of enemy strong points under intense machine gun and trench mortar fire, killing and wounding many of the enemy and capturing guns. Later, when all the officers and senior N.C.O’s had become casualties, he assumed command of the company, and led it to the objective.” – unit recommendation dated November 1918: “For gallantry during operation in around [sic] Valenciennes from Nov. 1 to 5/18.”

Died on 20 October 1922.

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Canadian War Museum, 19680229-001, Manu 58C 1 2.18, Honours and Awards, 38th Battalion (Records of recommendations for honours and awards and mentioned in dispatches 19161121 19190117))

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